Lawn Treatment
Hot Hints for Summer Lawn Care
 
by Karen Lawson
 
Never mind perfect images of a verdant summer lawn. Yours crunches underfoot and resembles the color of straw. Hopefully it's not that bad, but simple and consistent lawn care can help you maintain a greener lawn during the hottest summer months.
  • Mow high: Set your lawn mower to its maximum cutting height. Longer grass tends to develop deeper roots, and higher grass retains moisture longer.
  • Water well, but infrequently: Water your lawn deeply (about one inch) every week or so. You can measure how much you're watering by placing a tuna can near your sprinkling mechanism. Try to water early if possible.
  • Don't let cool season grass go dormant: Cool season grasses including Kentucky blue grass, perennial rye, and some fescues may go dormant in summer heat. Don't allow your grass to brown, and then revive it during summer heat, as this can stress the grass. If your grass starts to brown, it's time to water it.
  • No extras: Avoid fertilizing, weed control, and dethatching This is good news--your lawn doesn't need any of these "extras" during very hot weather, as they can cause additional stress. Wait until late August to early September, or whenever cooler temperatures arrive in your area.
  • Avoid over watering warm season grasses: If you have warm season grass such as Bermuda or St. Augustine, avoid overwatering. These grasses are drought tolerant and may develop problems with fungus and disease if over watered. Yellowing grass that is not dry and crunchy is a sign of over watering.
  • Go easy on the grass: Your lawn needs a break during the hottest days. Try to keep foot traffic to a minimum to reduce damage during very hot spells.
  • Sprinkler system maintenance: If you use automatic sprinklers, check them out before hot weather arrives to ensure that they're cycling correctly and watering as scheduled. Watch for dry spots on your lawn, as this could signal sprinkler malfunction.
Following these summer lawn care guidelines can help you get and keep a greener lawn.
 
About the Author:
Karen Lawson is a freelance writer whose interests include home renovation and decor. She holds an MA degree in English from the University of Nevada, Reno.
 
Source(s):

Read More About Lawn Treatment